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Abstract
Objective: To determine the clinical relevance of routine hemoglobin testing following an elective Cesarean section. Methods: The charts of all women who underwent elective Cesarean section at a public teaching hospital during 2001 were reviewed for pre- and postoperative hemoglobin values, demographic data, indication for surgery and need for blood transfusion. Results: The study group included 383 patients. Mean (± SD) hemoglobin level was 12.24 ± 1.09 g/dl prior to surgery and 10.87 ± 1.2 g/dl after, a mean loss of 1.37 ± 0.87 g/dl (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in blood loss by indication for surgery. None of the patients needed an intraoperative or postoperative blood transfusion. Conclusion: Routine postoperative hemoglobin measurement after an uncomplicated elective Cesarean section in asymptomatic low-risk women is not necessary and should be eliminated.